Intercity Transit takes State Championship in WA Public Transportation Roadeo

Intercity Transit riders can rest easy knowing their drivers and mechanics are the Grand Champions of the 2017 Washington State Public Transportation Roadeo. Ten transit systems competed in the roadeo, held August 5-6 in Everett, WA. This is the third consecutive year Intercity Transit has earned the Grand Championship.

“The roadeo showcases the skills and attention to safety that our diesel mechanics and bus drivers bring to our community and transit customers every single day,” says Ann Freeman-Manzanares, Intercity Transit General Manager. Events simulated every-day work conditions for transit staff, including weaving through traffic, stopping on a dime, backing into narrow spaces with limited visibility, and fixing hundreds of mechanical issues to keep transit buses on the road and on schedule.

Intercity Transit’s Maintenance Team took first out of seven teams. Diesel mechanics Joe Bell, Grant Swideski and James Bush were tested in seven different timed scenarios. Working together, they analyzed and provided solutions for issues in the diesel engine, vapor door, electrical system, AC system, and air systems that range from a single valve to the whole compression braking system. They also completed a bus pre-trip inspection and a written test.